As we journey through life, it’s vital to remember that challenges are inevitable. Yet, even in the midst of difficulty, our Lord calls us to rise above them. We do this by fixing our eyes on Jesus, cultivating a spirit of gratitude, and trusting in God’s plan, even when it’s hard to see. You may feel like saying, “That’s easy to say,” or “It’s easier said than done,” but I can assure you that countless brothers and sisters in Christ have faced similar storms and, through God’s grace, have found a way to endure and overcome.
The Weight of the World
The pressures of this life can feel overwhelming. If you’re a student, you might remember those days—fueled by late-night coffee and energy drinks—only to walk out of an exam and receive a deeply disappointing mark. That feeling of “What was the point?” can lead to a day of depression or an attempt to simply push the failure out of your mind. There’s the sudden, gut-wrenching moment when your computer crashes just as you’re finishing a critical paper, or the heart-sink of an “Internet connection lost” message when trying to submit an assignment seconds before the deadline.
Outside of school, the anxieties don’t stop. Perhaps you are a recent graduate, sending out countless job applications that seem to disappear into a vast ocean of automated replies. My friends have shared their own struggles: one feels his resume is constantly swept away, while another jokes that she must be on a mysterious “do-not-hire” list because she hasn’t had an interview in months, despite being overqualified for many of the positions.
Even the simple act of checking a bank account can be a source of worry, silently praying as you swipe your card that the payment will go through. We’ve all felt that small rush of relief when it works, knowing how awkward and humbling it would have been if it had been declined.
Turning Inward to Christ
So, how do we navigate these trying times? The Bible tells us that our strength comes from the Lord. Instead of relying on worldly advice alone, let us heed the timeless wisdom of the Scriptures: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV).
First, we must recognize that these situations are often external, temporary trials. It is extremely helpful to take a moment and look within, acknowledging that our peace comes from a source greater than our circumstances. Take time to rest and renew your spirit. The most powerful act we can take is to pray. Open your heart to God, listen to worship music, read your Bible, or reflect on a devotional. For many of us, listening to Gospel music is a powerful way to quiet the noise and refocus on Christ. Remember that there will always be challenges, but it is through patience and calm that we demonstrate our trust in God. Try to approach the issue one day at a time, remembering that God’s healing takes time. And in the midst of your struggle, remember that no matter how huge your burden is, your Heavenly Father sees you and cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Cultivating an Enduring Spirit
Next, we are called to maintain a spirit of hope and gratitude. As the apostle Paul taught, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, ESV). Every adversity, every setback, and every heartbreak can be seen as an opportunity for God to refine our character and reveal a greater benefit. It is essential to remain grateful by consciously counting your current blessings—the roof over your head, the friends who support you, the faith that sustains you.
Instead of dwelling on how you could have avoided the situation, draw the lessons that will shape you into the person God is calling you to be. What’s done is done, and the best thing you can do for yourself is to focus on improving the present and the future, trusting that God can redeem any past failure.
Perseverance Through Faith
Finally, we must couple our faith with hard work to tackle the challenges. Initially, bouncing back will be difficult, but things will work out eventually if you endure. As James 1:3 encourages us, “For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
Set measurable and realistic goals for yourself. If you are a young entrepreneur whose business failed, seek out wise, godly mentors who can help guide your next venture. Keep in mind that when you are striving to achieve something great in God’s plan, the enemy’s opposition may be bigger, and you MUST overcome them in the strength of the Lord to succeed.
All in all, when the going gets tough, make a decision to face it with a Christ-centered mindset. Whatever the situation is, you will learn from it, and it will make you stronger as you prepare for future battles. Be thankful for who you are and what you have, because you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Always remember that you have the power to overcome any obstacle through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). Cultivate the habit of perseverance so that you will overcome any stone that is thrown your way. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “If you cannot fly, run. If you cannot run, walk; if you cannot walk, then crawl. By all means, keep moving!”
What is one small step you can take today to move forward, trusting God with the outcome?
